Dutch public holidays are more than just days off work; they are celebrations that bring communities together, steeped in history and cultural significance.
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Bank Holidays 2024 in the Netherlands
There are 11 public holidays 11 recognised in the Netherlands, these include bank holidays like New Years’ days, Good Friday, Easter and Christmas. Good Friday and Easter. The Government of the Netherlands has established the following 11 public holidays 2024 in the Netherlands:
| Public Holidays Netherlands | 2024 |
| New Year’s Day | Monday 1 January 2024 |
| Good Friday | Friday 29 March 2024 |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday 31 March 2024 |
| Easter Monday | Monday 1 April 2024 |
| King’s Day | Saturday 27 April 2024 |
| Liberation Day | Sunday 5 May 2024* |
| Ascension Day | Thursday 9 May 2024 |
| Whit Sunday | Sunday 19 May 2024 |
| Whit Monday | Monday 20 May 2024 |
| Christmas Day | Wednesday 25 December 2024 |
| Boxing Day | Thursday 26 December 2024 |
*Liberation day on May 5th is a public holiday. It is common practice to have this day off once every five years (e.g., 2025, 2030 etc.) but the company could decide to diverge and agree to set this day each year as a public day off.
There is no Dutch law mandating that employees must be given a day off on specific public holidays. Whether employees have a day off on public holidays will be specified in the Collectieve Labour Agreement or Employee Handbook.
Public Holidays 2024 in the Netherlands
New Year’s Day – Monday 1 January 2024
New Year’s Day in the Netherlands, known as Nieuwjaarsdag, marks the beginning of the year with a blend of festive and reflective activities. The Dutch often welcome the New Year with fireworks and celebrations that carry over from New Year’s Eve. On January 1st, many Dutch people participate in the tradition of the New Year’s Dive (Nieuwjaarsduik), where thousands plunge into the icy waters of the North Sea, particularly at Scheveningen beach. This invigorating dip is believed to bring good luck and a fresh start to the year.
Good Friday – Friday 29 March 2024
Good Friday in the Netherlands, known as Goede Vrijdag, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This day is not an official public holiday, though most schools are closed. Some public offices are closed, and companies could decide to apply a day off.
Easter Sunday & Monday – Sunday 31 March and Monday 1 April 2024
Easter, or Pasen, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and is a joyful occasion. The Dutch celebrate Easter with church services, family gatherings, and festive meals. Traditional Easter foods include paasstol, a rich bread filled with almond paste and dried fruits, and chocolate eggs.
King’s Day – Saturday 27 April 2024
King’s Day, in Dutch Koningsday, celebrated on April 27, is one of the most vibrant and eagerly anticipated holidays in the Netherlands. This national holiday honours the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. The big cities in the country transform into a sea of orange, the national colour. Festivities include outdoor concerts, street markets (vrijmarkten), and parties. Amsterdam, in particular, becomes a hub of activity, attracting visitors from around the world to join in the revelry.
Liberation Day – Sunday 5 May 2024
Liberation Day, known as Bevrijdingsdag celebrated on May 5, commemorates the end of the Nazi occupation during World War II. It is a day of reflection, gratitude, and celebration of freedom. The Netherlands honours this day with various events, including concerts, parades, and official ceremonies. One of the most notable events is the Liberation Festival (Bevrijdingsfestival), held in multiple cities, featuring live music, performances, and speeches that emphasize the importance of freedom and human rights.
It is common practice to have this day off once every five years (e.g., 2025, 2030 etc.) but the company could decide to diverge and agree to set this day each year as a public day off.
Ascension Day – Thursday 9 May 2024
Ascension Day, in Dutch Hemelvaartsdag, is a Christian holiday observed 40 days after Easter. It marks the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. In the Netherlands, it is both a religious and public holiday. Popular traditions include early morning walks, often referred to as dauwtrappen, where people rise early to hike or bike through the countryside and enjoy the early morning dew.
Whit Sunday & Monday – Sunday 19 May and Monday 20 May 2024
Pinksteren in Dutch commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. Many people use the long weekend to spend time with family, go on outings, or attend festivals. It is also a time when numerous music and arts festivals take place across the country, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Christmas Day & Boxing Day – Wednesday 25 December and Thursday 26 December 2024
Christmas, known as Kerstmis in the Netherlands is celebrated over two days: Christmas Day on December 25 and Boxing Day on December 26.
The festive season begins with Sinterklaas on December 5, a uniquely Dutch celebration that involves gift-giving and elaborate celebrations. This celebration honours Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children. The evening of December 5, in Dutch Sinterklaasavond, is marked by gift-giving, poems, and elaborate rhyming riddles.
By Christmas, the festive spirit is in full swing. Dutch families typically celebrate with a sumptuous dinner, exchanging gifts, and spending quality time together. Boxing Day often involves visiting extended family or enjoying outdoor activities.
What Is the Biggest Dutch Holiday?
King’s Day, in Dutch Koningsday, celebrated on April 27, is one of the most vibrant and eagerly anticipated holidays in the Netherlands. This national holiday honours the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. Amsterdam, in particular, becomes a hub of activity, attracting visitors from around the world to join in the revelry.
